Medical students from the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University, Japan in a group photo. PHOTO: UBD
Press Release: [here]
On 29th July 2025, PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) held an opening ceremony for the 15th International Summer Medical School (ISMS) Programme. Since its initiation in 2006, ISMS has been an annual student exchange programme in which students from the Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University are invited to participate in academic, social, and cultural activities, organised both on and off campus. This longstanding partnership is crucial in cultivating mutual understanding and global unity by providing both Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Kagawa students with opportunities to gain knowledge, build relationships, exchange experiences, and show appreciation for other cultures.
In attendance were the guest of honour, His Excellency Mr. Yutaka Kikuta (Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam), Professor Dr. Haji Noor Azam bin OKMB Haji Othman (Assistant Vice Chancellor (Education)), and Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok (Dean of PAPRSB IHS). The Kagawa University delegation included Professor Takashi Kusaka (Chairperson of the School of Medicine, and Member of the International Contribution & Exchange of Faculty of Medicine), Professor Tomoko Ichiki (General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine), Assistant Professor Takashi Ogawa (Genome Medical Science and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine), and Associate Professor Saneyuki Yasuda (Director of the Postgraduate Clinical Education Centre and Member of the International Exchange Committee, Faculty of Medicine). Also present at the ceremony were Dr. Hj Abdul Hanif Bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi. (Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Sustainability), Dr. Mohd Khairul Zarifi bin Haji Masri (Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement)), Dr. Mursidi Hj Ali (Dean of Students), and the Deputy Deans of PAPRSB IHS: Pg Dr. Hjh Nurolaini binti Pg Hj Muhd Kifli (Academic Student Affairs) and Dr. Suwarni binti Hj Mohd Diah (Research Innovation and Sustainability).
Also present were the Programme Leaders at PAPRSB IHS: Dr. Hjh Fazean Irdayati Hj Idris, Dr. Md Hazim Hj Abd Ghani, Dr. Sarena Hj Hashim, Dr. Mary Cheong Poh Hua, and Dr. Sheikh Naeem Shafqat, the co-coordinators of the 15th ISMS Programme: Dr. Poh Hui Goh, Dr. Hj Muhammad Assyafie Hanif bin Abdul Rahman @ Chung Thien Siong, and Dr. Zaidah Rizidah Murang, along with academic and administrative staff and students of the PAPRSB IHS faculty.
Dr. Poh Hui Goh praised the continuing benefits of the ISMS Programme for students from both UBD and Kagawa University: “We believe that programmes like ISMS do more than provide medical knowledge. They build friendships, deepen intercultural appreciation, and contribute to the broader goal of nurturing globally-minded healthcare professionals.”
At the opening ceremony, the Dean of PAPRSB IHS, Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, welcomed delegates from Kagawa University and the six participating medical students from the Faculty of Medicine: Kazuki Umachi, Misaki Takahashi, Naomi Urayama, Sakurako Okumura, Yui Fukui, and Yuka Shiraishi. In his welcoming address, Professor Kenneth remarked, “This long-standing partnership is also a testament to the power of collaboration. Together, we have cultivated a unique and enriching environment where students and faculty from diverse backgrounds come together, exchanging ideas, knowledge, and cultures.” He also added, “This partnership has not only enhanced the academic and professional growth of our students and faculty, but has also fostered mutual understanding and respect, helping us address global healthcare challenges more effectively. We are immensely grateful to Kagawa University for their continued commitment to this shared vision.”
Representing the delegation from Kagawa University was Professor Takashi Kusaka, who acknowledged the benefits and strengths of the collaboration in his speech: “I sincerely hope that this 15th summer programme will again be fruitful for both of our institutions, and will be a further step towards deepening new mutual understanding and cooperation between our two institutions. It is my hope as well that each of us work together to build closer ties to contribute to further development of the present relationship.”
Professor Dr. Haji Noor Azam bin OKMB Haji Othman, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Education, presenting a souvenir to His Excellency Mr. Yutaka Kikuta, Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.
Following the speeches, the ceremony was officiated with the striking of the gong by the guest of honour His Excellency Mr. Yutaka Kikuta, marking the commencement of the 15th ISMS Programme.
This was followed by the presentation of souvenirs to the six Kagawa University students, the delegates, and the guest of honour.
